Cameron County preps for potential storm

LA FERIA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County has spent the past several days preparing for the possibility of a storm.

Tom Hushen is the Emergency Management Coordinator for Cameron County and he says there have been conference calls with different cities and entities within Cameron County to determine what each city needs and what preparations have to be done.

At this moment, they have water pumps on standby, sandbags ready in case there is a need for distribution, and have worked with the Texas Department of Transportation to clear drainage ditches. 

Hushen emphasizes that because weather can be unpredictable, they always have these resources ready and want to make sure they are distributed promptly and only when they're needed. He adds that teamwork is essential when preparing for storms, and mutual aid between cities and counties allows for an efficient response if severe weather strikes.

Currently, there are 10 pumps on standby at Cameron County precinct four. These pumps do not prevent flooding; they help move the water and help it recede quickly. Hushen said they are designed to work only in extreme conditions. 

He adds that because of their price, they are a limited resource and must be preserved. 

"They’re in the thousands of dollars, depending on what size, how big it can be, so you know it’s important equipment and it’s maintained here at the precincts and all of our commissioners, and the county judge make sure that those things are up and ready when needed," Hushen said.

Hushen said that once a month, Cameron County meets with different teams across the RGV during hurricane season, as well as when moving closer into the winter, to plan for any emergencies and coordinate response efforts to guarantee the safety and preparedness of all communities in the region.

Hushen and TxDOT officials advise communities to get updated weather conditions from a reliable weather source like our Valley Storm Team. Visit ValleyCentral.com, where you can monitor road conditions in the Valley and throughout Texas.